Cancer flight set to be reinstated at Donegal Airport after public pressure

Stephen Maguire

A much-needed flight used by the public, including cancer patients from Carrickfinn Airport in Co Donegal to Dublin, is on the verge of being reinstated.

Cancer campaigners have recently stepped up their campaign after changes to the Donegal–Dublin PSO timetable, which left local users without an afternoon flight.

The users claimed the loss of the flight, which followed a timetable shake-up, caused many to miss vital treatment while others could not travel following treatment.

A major picket of Dail Eireann was due to take place in Dublin next Tuesday by hundreds of protesters, including cancer sufferers.

But local Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has tonight confirmed that the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, has informed him of positive developments regarding the Donegal–Dublin PSO timetable.

The Minister has advised that engagement is ongoing with the relevant airline and that there are no legal obstacles to progressing the matter.

He has also indicated a desire to bring clarity to the situation as soon as possible.

Deputy Gallagher said discussions are ongoing in relation to restoring elements of the existing service, including the overnighting of the aircraft in Carrickfinn and the return of the afternoon service.

He added that a period of due diligence is now required between all stakeholders, but it is hoped this process can be completed within the next number of weeks.

Deputy Gallagher said he is confident that, once this process is finalised, the afternoon flight and the overnighting of the aircraft will be reinstated within weeks rather than months.

“I have been engaging closely with Minister O’Brien since I first became aware of the proposed timetable changes on 13 January,” Deputy Gallagher said.

“The Minister remained in regular contact with me throughout this process, and I welcome his commitment to restore the timetable that has served the people of Donegal well for decades.”

He also expressed his appreciation to those who raised and championed the issue locally.

“I want to acknowledge the commitment shown by the management and staff of Donegal Airport, who strongly represented the needs of their passengers,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge Majella O’Donnell for highlighting this issue on the Late Late Show and bringing wider national attention to the challenges faced by those relying on this vital service.”

“Most importantly, I want to pay particular tribute to the Donegal Cancer Flights & Services Group, who campaigned tirelessly and with great compassion to highlight the impact these timetable changes would have had on patients who must travel to Dublin for treatment. Their work ensured that the voices of the most vulnerable were heard clearly.”

"They were instrumental in getting over 20,000 people to sign the petition to save this vital service.

"I also wish to acknowledge the support of my constituency colleagues as we all worked together to secure this favourable outcome."

He said that restoring the familiar and proven timetable is essential for those who rely on same-day access to Dublin for medical appointments, specialist care, work commitments, education, and onward travel.

“I wish to express my deep appreciation to Minister O’Brien for his hands-on approach and his recognition of the importance of reverting to the original timetable, which provided an afternoon rotation, while also maintaining the local arrangement of overnighting the aircraft in Donegal to ensure a timely early-morning departure to Dublin each day,” Deputy Gallagher added